Semmering base tunnel: milestone for sustainable rail connections

Semmering base tunnel: milestone for sustainable rail connections

A significant progress in Austrian transport was reported on Tuesday when ÖBB announced the final impact of the Semmering base tunnel. With this step, the two tunnel tubes from Gloggnitz to Mürzzuschlag, which extend over a length of 27.3 kilometers, are now completely connected. The construction project, which started in the Fröschnitzgraben about a decade ago, has now been completed. This not only represents a technical masterpiece, but also promises a significant improvement in train connections between Vienna and Graz.

"We have reached a milestone," said a spokesman for the ÖBB, "but our work has not yet ended." This use addresses the upcoming challenges that still have to be mastered before the tunnel 2030 is ready for operation. As early as the summer of 2025, the equipment of the tunnel, including the necessary technical installations, begins.

Next steps for the company

The ÖBB emphasize the capital investments required to prepare the tunnel for the operation. The travel time from Vienna to Graz should be less than two hours in the future, which represents a drastic improvement compared to the current connections. However, numerous work is still necessary to implement this time frame. Planning is the implementation of modern technologies, which should ensure that the infrastructures meet the high demands of modern rail transport.

Sustainable mobility in focus

The Semmering base tunnel will not only increase the efficiency of the traffic connections, but also have a positive impact on the environment. Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler emphasized that this tunnel is a sustainable investment in public transport. "The Semmering base tunnel will make train traffic between Vienna and Graz faster, easier and more environmentally friendly. This is a crucial step towards a modern and sustainable rail system," she said in a press conference.

In addition to the tunnel construction, numerous infrastructure projects take place along the south route. Over 100 ongoing projects include the modernization of 200 kilometers of existing railway lines, the new construction of 170 kilometers, as well as the construction of 80 kilometers of tunnels and 150 bridges. In particular, the Koralbahn, which will connect Graz to Klagenfurt, has made great progress.

With these measures, ÖBB show that a clear plan for future rail infrastructure in Austria is being pursued. The project will help to ensure that the train remains a preferred choice for travelers and that mobility in the country will further improve. Further details on these developments are expected in the coming months, while the construction work and planning receive the final grinding.

The Semmering-Basistunnel is therefore not only an architectural triumph, but also a striking turn for the future of rail traffic in Austria. More details on this topic can be found in a detailed report on www.5min.at .